Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a modern surgical technique that enhances breast volume using the patient’s own fat tissue. This procedure is increasingly popular in the United Kingdom and the United States, offering a natural alternative to implants with excellent safety and aesthetic outcomes.
Dr. Zisis Boukouvalas, with over 35 years of experience, training in both the U.S. and the U.K., and more than 5,000 breast augmentation procedures performed, emphasizes the importance of surgical expertise in achieving optimal results with this technique.
The procedure begins with the collection of excess fat from donor areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs through liposuction. This fat is then subjected to a specialized processing technique that purifies and preserves the integrity of the adipocytes (fat cells). The refined fat is carefully injected into the breasts through fine cannulas, allowing precise shaping and sculpting of the breast contours.
One of the key scientific advancements in this method is the development of atraumatic harvesting and reinjection techniques. Unlike earlier approaches that often damaged a significant portion of the fat cells, leading to high reabsorption rates, modern methods preserve almost all viable adipocytes. This significantly improves the long-term survival of the graft and reduces the need for repeat procedures.
The entire process is performed under local anesthesia, making it a minimally invasive procedure. No hospitalization is required, and there is virtually no scarring. The fat is introduced via a tiny micro-incision in the inframammary fold, leaving no visible marks. Patients benefit from a dual effect: natural breast augmentation and simultaneous contouring of problem areas where fat was harvested.
This technique offers a natural look and feel, as the breast tissue is augmented with the patient’s own fat rather than synthetic materials. It is particularly effective in achieving soft, subtle curves and allows surgeons to sculpt the breast shape with great precision.
This technique is also frequently used in combination with breast implants, in which case it is called the “HYBRID TECHNIQUE.” This combination gives the benefits of both techniques, offering the volume and projection of implants alongside the natural contouring and softness provided by fat transfer.
As in any type of aesthetic breast surgery, ultrasonic +/- MRI (age related) investigations must be performed. For future diagnostic reasons, the fat is transferred into the breast superficially and above the muscle (pectoralis major), avoiding the parenchyma of the breast.
About Dr. Zisis Boukouvalas
Dr. Zisis K. Boukouvalas, M.D., Ph.D., is the Director of Plastic Surgery at “Metropolitan” Hospital. He holds a Ph.D. from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is the founder of the Plastic Surgery & Regenerative Medicine clinic, ANAGENNISI.
Dr. Boukouvalas operates four medical offices in Athens (Syntagma, Glyfada, Kifissia) and Thessaloniki. He is a member of several leading global organizations, including ISAPS, ESPRAS, ICOPLAST, and EASAPS.
For more information, visit: www.drboukouvalas.gr
Email: [email protected]